Growth Mindset Feedback: Powerful Prompts to Nurture Resilience and Confidence in Kids

When it comes to raising resilient, confident children, the way we give feedback matters. At Noisy Book Club, we know that process-based praise - focusing on effort, strategies, and progress - helps kids develop a growth mindset and a lifelong love of learning.

Our latest Praise Prompts handout is packed with practical examples you can use at home or in the classroom to encourage perseverance, effort, curiosity, and more.

Why Process-Based Praise Works

Research by Dr. Carol Dweck and others shows that when we praise children’s process -how they approach a problem, the effort they put in, or the strategies they try - they become more resilient, motivated, and willing to tackle new challenges. This is the heart of growth mindset parenting.

6 Powerful Feedback Prompts for Growth Mindset

Here are some of our favourite feedback prompts from the handout, each designed to nurture a specific growth mindset quality:

1. Perseverance

• “That was hard but you didn’t give up.”

• “You didn’t stop trying even when it wasn’t easy!”

Why it works: Acknowledging perseverance helps children see that persistence matters more than instant success.

2. Effort

• “You put so much effort into this!”

• “I saw how much hard work you put in -well done!”

Why it works: Praising effort encourages kids to keep trying, even when things get tough.

3. Strategies

• “I saw that when you got stuck, you tried a different strategy.”

• “You used great strategies to problem-solve.”

Why it works: Highlighting strategies teaches kids that there’s more than one way to approach a challenge.

4. Concentration

• “You were so focused on that work.”

• “I noticed you moved to a quiet spot so you could concentrate better. Great idea!”

Why it works: Noticing concentration helps children value their ability to focus and manage distractions.

5. Progress/Time

• “You wrote a whole sentence. Could you have done that in September?”

• “You’re getting better at this since the last time you tried!”

Why it works: Celebrating progress over time helps kids see their growth and boosts confidence.

6. Curiosity

• “You wrote a story! Tell me about it.”

• “You’ve drawn a picture - I’d love to hear why you chose to draw this part in blue.”

Why it works: Encouraging curiosity keeps children engaged and excited to learn more.

How to Use Feedback Prompts at Home

• Be specific: Instead of “good job,” mention exactly what you noticed.

• Focus on the process: Highlight effort, strategies, and improvement.

• Encourage reflection: Ask open-ended questions to help your child think about their learning.

• Model growth mindset language: Use these prompts yourself and encourage teachers or caregivers to do the same.

Building a Growth Mindset Community

At Noisy Book Club, our mission is to bridge the gap between home and school by supporting parents with practical tools and resources. Whether you’re using our Mindset Made Easy course, reading our weekly emails, or trying out these feedback prompts, you’re helping your child build resilience, confidence, and a love for learning that lasts a lifetime.

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